Giants Free Agency: Signings of Shane Vereen, others finally announced

The New York Giants waited until late Wednesday evening to officially announce the free-agent signings of five players we knew on Tuesday that they had signed -- running back Shane Vereen, wide receiver/kick returner Dwayne Harris, linebacker Jonathan Casillas, linebacker J.T. Thomas and offensive lineman Marshall Newhouse.

Let's look at what the players and the Giants are saying about the moves.

Shane Vereen

" ... this is a great organization. I was fortunate enough to play in New England with another great organization. This is not a step down; if anything, it is a step up. I am looking forward to the opportunity, and I am enjoying being in New York." -- Vereen on joining the Giants

GM Jerry Reese: "Vereen gives us lots of versatility as a receiver and runner. He is one of the best as a receiver out of the backfield or detached, He is very hard to handle for most linebackers. And he has big game experience."

Dwayne Harris

"I am a physical player. I think all of the Giants fans are going to find that out soon. I am a physical player and I like the physical nature of the game. I like being the guy who hits players. I take a lot of hits during the game. It is always fun to return the favor." -- Harris on what he brings to the table

Reese: "Harris is a well-kept secret to a lot of people, except the teams in NFC East. He is one of the top all-around special teams players in league and a solid third or fourth receiving option."

Jonathan Casillas

"It's hard to put into words. After so much time away and playing ball in New Orleans and Tampa and New England, being able to come back home and be able to play in front of your home crowd and my family is really a blessing." -- Casillas, a New Jersey native, on returning home to play

"The Giants are getting a real football player. Since I've been in the league, I've been under the radar, and I've accepted that. I've found a way to make plays and contribute, and also to make a healthy contribution to the city I'm in by doing things in the community. I try to do things the right way." -- More from Casillas

J.T. Thomas

"I have had a really interesting journey. To end up here, I am blessed for it. I really gained a lot of knowledge. I had the opportunity to study behind Brian Urlacher. I had a chance to watch a guy like (Jaguars linebacker) Paul Posluszny, the ultimate professional. (Posluszny) handles business day in and day out. I take all of those things. I don't bother them with a lot of questions. I watch, though. I watch intensely. Now to be here with Jon Beason and Jameel (McClain), there are things we are going to be able to take from each other's games and help make each other better. That is always the goal for the guys in the room, to be able to have some type of camaraderie and make each other better day in and day out." -- Thomas on how he got to this point in his career

Reese on Thomas and Casillas: "J.T. and Jonathan bring starter experience. They give us more speed from scrimmage and on special teams. They bring quality depth and competition to the position, as well."

Marshall Newhouse

"I can do both (play either tackle). I have played plenty of left. I have started over 20 games at left and I have played plenty at right. I can do whatever they need me to do." -- Newhouse on his versatility

"It was a big part (in his decision to join the Giants). It is good to always have familiarity, and he knows what I can do. I am just looking forward to proving him right and then some." -- Newhouse on Ben McAdoo's role in his choice of the Giants

Reese: "Newhouse is another guy who brings starter experience and depth. He can play tackle on either the left or the right side."